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PODCAST · business

Retail Therapy

by Australian Retailers Association

Welcome to Retail Therapy – the podcast that unpacks the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of retail.Brought to you by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), Retail Therapy goes beyond the shopfront to explore the forces driving Australia’s $420 billion retail sector - our largest private employer with over 1.4 million workers.Join us as we sit down with industry leaders, experts, and change-makers to discuss everything from economic shifts and AI advancements to sustainability, customer experience, and the future of retail crime prevention.Whether you’re a retail veteran or just starting out, Retail Therapy delivers the insights you need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry.

Publisher-supplied feed metadata · PodParley refreshed Apr 1, 2025 · Source feed

Episodes

  1. Alex Staley on tackling customer aggression

    Customer aggression is an issue no retailer wants to face, yet it's becoming an increasing challenge across the industry. From verbal abuse to physical threats, frontline staff are dealing with alarming incidents that impact their safety and wellbeing. Joining us on Retail Therapy is Alex Staley,...

  2. Tackling retail crime in the digital age with Andy White

    Tune in to this insightful episode of Retail Therapy as Andy White, CEO of AusPayNet, discusses the growing challenge of online fraud and digital scams. With over 25 years of international experience, Andy dives deep into the state of retail crime in the digital realm, sharing valuable insights…

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  3. Tackling retail crime - Helen Dickinson’s roadmap for change

    Retail crime is on the rise, impacting businesses, employees, and communities—but what can be done to combat it? Joining the conversation is Helen Dickinson, CEO of the British Retail Consortium, who has been at the forefront of advocating for safer retail environments. With a deep understanding…

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  4. Keeping Australia moving - Dr Hermione Parsons on supply chain strategy

    Supply chains keep Australia moving - but how can businesses navigate ongoing disruptions and prepare for the future? Joining us today is Dr Hermione Parsons, CEO & Managing Director of the Australian Logistics Council, an expert in end-to-end supply chain strategy, multimodal logistics, and...

  5. Beyond Blue’s impact - Georgie Harman on mental health in retail

    Mental health is more important than ever - so how can businesses support their employees and create a healthier workplace? Joining us today is Georgie Harman, CEO of Beyond Blue, one of Australia’s leading voices in mental health advocacy. Under her leadership, Beyond Blue has expanded its...

  6. Tackling retail crime – insights from Crime Stoppers CEO Peter Price AM

    Retail crime is on the rise, but what can be done to stop it? In this episode of the Retail Therapy Podcast, we hear from Peter Price AM, CEO of Crime Stoppers, about the latest crime trends and strategies for prevention. With decades of experience in crime prevention, including working with...

  7. Ian Bailey on purpose, innovation & growth

    Joining us today on Retail Therapy is Ian Bailey, Managing Director of the Kmart Group. Ian has been leading Kmart, Target, and Catch since 2018, driving innovation and growth across these iconic Australian brands. In this episode, Ian shares insights into: The evolving Australian customer – what...

  8. The power of AI - how retailers can thrive in a digital age with Dr Kellie Nuttall

    Artificial Intelligence is transforming the retail landscape, but how can businesses truly harness its potential? In this episode of the Retail Therapy Podcast we speak with Dr Kellie Nuttall, Deloitte’s Strategy and Business Design Leader - and a passionate AI advocate. With a background in...

  9. Navigating retail’s future with Chris Richardson

    As we kick off Series 8 of the Retail Therapy Podcast, we’re diving deep into one of the most critical topics facing the retail sector today: Retail Resilience. In our first episode, host Fleur Brown, ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer, is joined by Chris Richardson, one of Australia’s leading...

  10. Live from the ARA Peak Season Insights Breakfast: Trends shaping holiday 2024

    In this special episode, we're bringing you the highlights from the recent ARA Peak Season Insights Breakfast, where retail’s top leaders shared their expert perspectives on this year's holiday season! Listen in as our panel of retail thought leaders shares their expertise, featuring: Laura…

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  11. AI & Retail: Preparing for Peak Season with Meta’s Kate Box

    In this special episode of Retail Therapy, we’re diving into the heart of peak season preparations with two expert voices in retail and technology. Fleur Brown, Chief Industry Affairs Officer at the Australian Retailers Association, is joined by Kate Box, Director of Retail ANZ at Meta, to…

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  12. Delivering for Peak Season: Australia Post’s Holiday Prep with Gary Starr

    In this episode of Retail Therapy, ARA CEO Paul Zahra sits down with Gary Starr, Executive General Manager, Parcel, Post & eCommerce Services at Australia Post, to explore how the iconic postal service is preparing for the busiest time of the year - peak season! From delivering gifts across the...

  13. Black Friday to Boxing Day: What’s ahead for retailers and consumers with Craig Woolford

    In this special peak season episode of Retail Therapy, Paul Zahra is joined by Craig Woolford, Senior Retail Analyst in the Consumer Sector at MST Marquee. Together, they explore what’s in store for retailers and consumers during the busiest time of the year—Black Friday, Cyber Monday and…

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  14. Peak season spending insights with Laura Demasi from Roy Morgan

    In this special Peak Season episode of Retail Therapy, we are joined by Laura Demasi, Head of Retail Research and Social and Consumer Trends at Roy Morgan. With over 15 years of experience in senior leadership roles at top social and consumer research firms, Laura is a data-driven storyteller and...

  15. Navigating digital transformation with Sean McDonell

    Joining us on Retail Therapy is Sean McDonell, Director of Customers and Government for Google Melbourne. Sean has been with Google for over eleven years, holding various positions across the business. Most recently, he served as Industry Head, leading Google's Melbourne partnerships across...

  16. The power of purpose-driven leadership with Matt Davis

    Join us for an insightful conversation with Matt Davis, CEO of Salvos Stores, as he shares his journey of leading one of the world’s most impactful charitable organisations. In this episode, Matt sits down with Paul Zahra to discuss leadership in the nonprofit sector, how to navigate crises and…

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  17. Building brands with purpose with Joanne Mercer

    In this episode of Retail Therapy, we're joined by Joanne Mercer, a distinguished entrepreneur and the current Managing Director of Matilda Life. With an impressive career that includes senior roles at Myer and founding the premium footwear brand Jo Mercer as well as the lifestyle retailer…

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  18. Transforming traditions with Daniel Bracken

    Joining us on Retail Therapy is Daniel Bracken, CEO at Michael Hill. Daniel has steered Michael Hill through transformative changes with his extensive background in retailing, fashion, and brand development. With over 25 years of experience managing some of the world’s most iconic brands, he has...

  19. Fantastic leadership insights with Kieron Ritchard

    Our next Retail Therapy guest is Kieron Ritchard, CEO and Managing Director at Fantastic Furniture. Kieron leads one of Australia's most iconic furniture retail brands, known for offering stylish and affordable furniture solutions. Under his leadership, Fantastic Furniture has continued to expand...

  20. Grilling greatness with Angus McDonald

    Join us as we dive into the world of retail leadership with Angus McDonald, the CEO of Barbeques Galore. With over 25 years of retail experience, Angus has a wealth of knowledge and insights to share. In this special episode, we’ll explore his remarkable career journey, from his humble beginnings...

  21. From strategy to storefront with Natalie Davis

    Our next guest on Retail Therapy, focusing on leadership is Natalie Davis, Managing Director at Woolworths Supermarkets. Natalie Davis brings a wealth of experience to her role as Managing Director of Woolworths Supermarkets, a position she has held since October 2020. Her impressive career...

  22. Leading through change with John King

    Joining us today on Retail Therapy to kick off Season 7 is John King, the outgoing CEO of Myer. John has been instrumental in revitalising Myer, steering the company through strategic transformations with his extensive background in retail management. With over 30 years of experience in the…

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  23. Season 7 Trailer: Leadership

    Welcome to Season 7 of Retail Therapy. This season ARA CEO Paul Zahra will be chatting with a fantastic line-up of retail leaders, including the CEOs of some of Australia’s biggest and most recognisable brands. We’ll be learning about their career journey, what defines their leadership style and...

  24. Age diversity in focus with Dr Ginni Mansberg

    We're excited to announce that our final guest for Season Six of Retail Therapy is Dr. Ginni Mansberg, the founder of the science-based skincare line Evidence Skincare (ESK) and author of the bestselling book The M Word: How to Thrive in Menopause. Dr. Mansberg is a highly respected GP, TV...

  25. Fostering Indigenous business growth with Kate Russell

    Our next guest on Retail Therapy is Kate Russell (she/her), CEO of Supply Nation, Australia's foremost advocate for supplier diversity. Kate brings a wealth of experience, including roles in the public sector and as a Board Director at the Diversity Council of Australia. As a proud Awabakal…

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  26. Championing change with Angel Dixon

    Our next guest on Retail Therapy is Angel Dixon OAM, a passionate activist for disability inclusion and human rights. Angel is a two-time international Mercedes Benz Fashion Week model. In 2017 Angel became the first agency-signed model with a physical impairment to feature in a national…

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  27. Designing for all with Manisha Amin

    In this episode of Retail Therapy, we hear from Manisha Amin (she/her), CEO of the Centre for Inclusive Design. Manisha's dedication to innovation and social change has made her a pivotal figure in the realm of inclusivity. With expertise in strategic marketing, communication, and cultural...

  28. Trailblazing for change with Mariam Veiszadeh

    In this episode of Retail Therapy, we are honoured to welcome Mariam Veiszadeh, CEO of Media Diversity Australia. A trailblazing figure in human rights advocacy, law, authorship, and media commentary, Mariam has left an indelible mark in the fight against racism and xenophobia. Renowned for...

  29. From refugee to role model with Anyier Yuol

    Our next guest, Anyier Yuol, is not only an entrepreneur but also a catalyst for social change. With a strong commitment to making a difference, Anyier is the visionary behind Miss Sahara, an initiative for Lead Beyond Education (LBE) charity, as well as the founder and CEO of Anyier Model...

  30. Navigating neurodiversity with Natalie Phillips-Mason

    Our next guest for Retail Therapy is Natalie Phillips-Mason (She/Her), Founder and Lead Consultant of Inclusive Change. Natalie is dedicated to fostering inclusive workplaces and enriching customer experiences by celebrating our unique identities. Natalie encourages leaders to embrace all aspects...

  31. Gender equity in retail with Natasha Stott Despoja

    Our next guest for Retail Therapy needs little introduction: Natasha Stott Despoja, a prominent figure in Australia's advocacy for gender equality. With International Women's Day just around the corner, we're thrilled to host Natasha, whose legacy as a former Senator for South Australia speaks...

  32. Breaking barriers with Katherine Wolfgramme

    Celebrate Mardi Gras with a dose of Retail Therapy, spotlighting diversity, equality, and inclusion. Joining us for this special occasion is Katherine Wolfgramme (she/her), a nationally recognised Trans Advocate, award-winning gender diversity consultant, and Trans awareness trainer. As a pioneer...

  33. Cultivating diversity in the Australian fashion sector with Leila Naja Hibri

    Joining us for some Retail Therapy focusing on diversity, equality and inclusion is Leila Naja Hibri (she/her), former CEO of the Australian Fashion Council. In the face of the pandemic, Leila emerged as a guiding force, steering the Australian fashion industry towards resilience. Her compelling...

  34. Setting the DE&I scene with Lisa Annese

    Welcome to Season Six of Retail Therapy, where we delve into Diversity, Equality, and Inclusion. We're thrilled to kick off this season with a powerhouse guest, Lisa Annese (she/her), CEO of Diversity Council Australia. Lisa was named one of the AFR’s 100 Women of Influence in 2018. In 2019 she…

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  35. Season 6 Trailer: Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DE&I)

    Season 6 of the ARA’s Retail Therapy podcast is gearing up for an early 2024 launch! Join host, ARA CEO Paul Zahra, as we dive into the crucial conversation on diversity, equality, and inclusion led by the Australian Retailers Association. This season, Retail Therapy is going deep into the realm…

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  36. Christmas & Holiday Special: Behind the Barbie boom with Stephen Younane

    Welcome to the fifth and final special Christmas bonus episode of Retail Therapy for the year. As the holiday season rapidly approaches, retailers are gearing up for the annual Christmas shopping frenzy. However, this year brings a heightened sense of uncertainty to the industry, as Australians...

  37. Christmas & Holiday Special: Understanding your customer with Professor Gary Mortimer

    Welcome to another special Christmas episode of Retail Therapy Christmas is right around the corner, marking the peak season for the retail industry. This upcoming festive trading period holds immense significance for retailers, especially those in the discretionary sector, as they typically...

  38. Christmas & Holiday Special: Making magic with Meta’s Kate Box

    The holidays are upon us and retailers are in deep preparation for the Christmas shopping rush. It’s going to be an unpredictable festive trading season this year with a raft of economic challenges and uncertainty amid the cost of living. In this Retail Therapy Christmas special, we’ll be...

  39. Christmas & Holiday Special: Economic expectations with Craig Woolford

    The holidays are fast approaching, and retailers are in preparation mode for the Christmas shopping rush. There’s a bit more uncertainty for the industry this year as Australians continue to feel the crunch of the cost-of-living crisis whilst retailers feel the crunch of the cost-of-doing…

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  40. Christmas & Holiday Special: Spending insights and consumer trends with Fleur Brown

    'Tis the season to be shopping, and the retail world will soon be buzzing with festive delight. In this episode, we're diving deep into the heart of the retail sector's busiest time of year and what we can expect for the shopping season ahead. As the festive season draws near, join host ARA CEO...

  41. Navigating change with Eric Morris

    Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Eric Morris, former CEO of Brand Collective, which boasts a portfolio of iconic owned and licensed brands with more than 3,000 employees. Eric has over 35 years of industry experience covering retail, wholesale, licensing, marketing and product development in...

  42. Fashioning the future with Elisha Hopkinson

    Get ready for an exciting episode of Retail Therapy where we dive deep into the world of fashion, leadership, innovation, and sustainability with our special guest, Elisha Hopkinson, CEO of APG & Co. Elisha has been an instrumental part of APG & Co for more than a decade and has worked in the...

  43. Redefining convenience with Angus McKay

    In this episode of the ARA's Retail Therapy Podcast, we have the privilege of sitting down with Angus McKay, CEO and Managing Director of 7-Eleven. Angus has an impressive career background, including leadership roles at iconic companies like Fosters and New Zealand Milk, and he has been at the...

  44. The importance of being customer-centric with Mark Ronan

    Welcome to another episode of Retail Therapy, where we delve into the heartbeat of the retail industry. In this episode, we are thrilled to have a distinguished guest with us – Mark Ronan, the visionary CEO of Adairs. With over 15 years of diverse leadership experience within Adairs, Mark's…

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  45. Beyond the mailbox with Catriona Noble

    Joining us for some Retail Therapy is Catriona Noble, Executive General Manager, Retail at Australia Post. Catriona is responsible for the organisation’s network of 4,320 Post Offices and is renowned for driving key transformation in many of her previous roles, including CEO of McDonald’s…

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  46. Retail revolution with Ian Bailey

    Next up on the Retail Therapy podcast is Ian Bailey, Managing Director of Kmart Group. With a wealth of experience in the retail industry, Ian Bailey assumed the role of Managing Director at Kmart Australia in February 2016. Later, in November 2018, he took on the responsibility of leading...

  47. Being a visionary leader with Mirja Viinanen

    Join us for an inspiring episode of Retail Therapy with Mirja Viinanen, CEO and Chief Sustainability Officer at IKEA Australia. IKEA is the world’s largest furniture retailer and has cemented its status in Australia as the country’s most recognised Swedish homewares store, offering...

  48. Navigating the world of travel retail with George Tsoukalas

    Get ready for an exciting episode of Retail Therapy with special guest, George Tsoukalas, Managing Director at Heinemann Australia. George's impressive portfolio includes leadership positions at Nude by Nature, The Discovery Group, and L'Oréal. In this episode, we delve into the fascinating world...

  49. The next era of retail fashion with Tanya Deans

    We are thrilled to present the next special guest on Retail Therapy - Tanya Deans, the President at Hanes Brands, Australasia. Tanya oversees iconic Australian brands like Bonds, Sheridan, Berlei, Champion, and more, establishing herself as a true fashion guru in the industry. Join us as we dive...

  50. Secrets to success with Jack Gance

    Welcome to Season 5 of Retail Therapy! In this exciting episode, we have a very special guest joining us. We are thrilled to have Jack Gance, the Co-Founder and Chairman of the Board at Chemist Warehouse, on the podcast. Chemist Warehouse is an iconic pharmacy retail brand in Australia, boasting...

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ABOUT THIS SHOW

Welcome to Retail Therapy – the podcast that unpacks the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of retail.Brought to you by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), Retail Therapy goes beyond the shopfront to explore the forces driving Australia’s $420 billion retail sector - our largest private employer with over 1.4 million workers.Join us as we sit down with industry leaders, experts, and change-makers to discuss everything from economic shifts and AI advancements to sustainability, customer experience, and the future of retail crime prevention.Whether you’re a retail veteran or just starting out, Retail Therapy delivers the insights you need to stay ahead in this ever-evolving industry.

HOSTED BY

Australian Retailers Association

Frequently Asked Questions

How many episodes does Retail Therapy have?

Retail Therapy currently has 108 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.

What is Retail Therapy about?

Welcome to Retail Therapy – the podcast that unpacks the trends, challenges, and innovations shaping the future of retail.Brought to you by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA), Retail Therapy goes beyond the shopfront to explore the forces driving Australia’s $420 billion retail sector - our...

How often does Retail Therapy release new episodes?

Retail Therapy publishes regularly with 108 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.

Where can I listen to Retail Therapy?

You can listen to Retail Therapy on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.

Who hosts Retail Therapy?

Retail Therapy is created and hosted by Australian Retailers Association.
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